Hibbing Police Department is proud to announce the official name of our newest K9 officer following a community-wide naming contest. After receiving an incredible response from the public, the winning name is Gunner!
Gunner, a 1.5-year-old male German Shepherd, will soon begin training with handler Officer Sydney Haugan to assist officers in various law enforcement duties, including criminal apprehension and firearms/ammunition detection. The duo will be attending a three-month certification training beginning next week through McDonough K9 before being deployed.
Once highly trained, Gunner will play a vital role in protecting and serving our community and the region, as he will be the only police K9 trained in these disciplines to reside north of St. Paul.
“Police K9s are a very crucial part of our department and community,” said HPD Chief Steve Estey. “We have seen firsthand how K9 officers not only make our community a safer place, but the positive community outreach it has for our citizens, especially the youth.”
Estey and Haugan said they are grateful for the enthusiastic participation from residents in helping choose the right name for the department’s newest K9 partner.
“The name seemed fitting after several community members suggested it. Being the K9 will be a ‘gun’ detection dog, the name Gunner seemed perfect,” said Haugan. “We look forward to hitting the streets, assisting when we can and strengthening the bond between our department and the community.”
More than 1,000 names were submitted via email, and that does not include the hundreds who posted their favorite monikers on social media. Other popular suggestions included Ranger, Tac, Rusty and Rex. However, Ranger and Tac were already used by local police K9s in our area, noted Estey.
“Seeing how excited the community was to engage in the naming contest has our department looking forward to having Gunner hit the streets,” he added, estimating that should occur around mid-June. “Officer Haugan has been overwhelmed with the support she's already received from the community after the announcement of Gunner coming on board.”
Opportunities to meet the duo will occur this summer, including National Night Out at Bennett Park on Aug. 5 and at the Operation K9 event in Duluth on Aug. 14.
Gunner was raised in Germany and previously went by Borisz. His purchase was made possible through funding assistance from the Northland K9 Foundation and the American Kennel Club Reunite.
